Essential Minnesota

The St Paul mayor has been accused of sexual harassment and battery by the city’s police chief, Axel Henry. Star Tribune reporters Jeff Day and Josie Albertson-Grove discuss their investigation into Mayor Her’s track record of behavior toward colleagues throughout her career and how it links to her leadership style and increased power.

The DFL candidate for U.S. Senate on her upbringing and what she thinks matters most to Minnesotans. This is part of a special series of conversations with candidates from Minnesota running for statewide office in the midterm elections. We have reached out to the GOP candidate in the race, Michele Tafoya, for a similar conversation. Guest Host: Briana Bierschbach, Senior Politics Writer at the Min...

Over the past few years there has been a 2000% increase in the number of sextortion cases reported to police. These scams have taken millions of dollars and the lives of countless young people. Journalist Chip Scoggins tells the story of one Minnesota family’s experience.

The privately owned prison in Appleton, Minnesota had a troubled past. Now that the U.S Department of Homeland Security has bought it, its future is anything but certain. Journalists Chris Magan and Jeff Hargarten walk us through the history of this prison turned detention facility, and what it means for the town of 1,300 people, whose future is now tied to ever-changing national immigration polic...

One of the hottest issues in high school sports right now is student athletes who transfer schools to position themselves for college and the pros. Journalist Chip Scoggins digs into the debate over what's fair and what’s breaking the rules. This episode was originally released on May 15, 2026.

You want to know what's worth trying at the Minnesota State Fair and our food and drink reporters want to deliver. That’s why, on the first day of the fair, our team tries Every. Single. New. Dish. Reporter Sharyn Jackson is the mastermind of the mission and she takes us behind the scenes on the big day – the good, the bad and the brick wall she hits mid-way through. See all the official new foods...

On Aug. 27, 2025, a gunman opened fire through the windows of Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis as students gathered for all-school Mass. Over the past year, several families filmed their experiences in video diaries. We hear some of their reflections and come to understand how this community is working to move forward. Video Journalist Amanda Anderson Reporter Reid Forgrave

Minnesota voters delivered historic and surprising results in the primary elections. Politics Editor Brooks Johnson looks ahead at the statewide match ups and the impact the winners will have on Minnesotans and our state’s political scene for decades to come.

We hope you are enjoying your summer!

We hope you are enjoying your summer!

Longtime political reporter Briana Bierschbach details how the Trump administration has pulled back key support that has helped Minnesota safeguard elections while pushing changes based on unproven allegations that could make it harder for legitimate voters to cast ballots.

This week wildfires forced the closure of the Boundary Waters, sent smoke across the Midwest and pushed air quality to hazardous, record-breaking levels. Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Kristoffer Tigue chronicles the evacuation and fire fighting efforts and what decades of data reveal about the growing connection between our wildfires and climate change.

This week she capped off an historic month becoming the winningest coach in WNBA history. We go behind the scenes with reporter Cassidy Hettesheimer to Reeve’s early days and the secrets to her success. Corrections: In this conversation there are two errors to correct. First, Cheryl Reeve is not head of Business Operations. That was a slip of the tongue. She is actually head of Basketball Operatio...

We're taking a holiday break this week but we'll be back July 10!

Acceptance of the new flag among Minnesotans is divided mainly along party lines. But how much of that comes from partisan fervor fueling the culture wars and how much is from a rushed and imperfect design process? Reporter Briana Bierschbach was there every step of the way and breaks it down.

After a tip from an attorney, two investigative reporters look into the leaders of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church. They ask - what did they know about abuse against children in the pews and how did church doctrine put kids at risk. 

Boelter's escape was full of near misses, enduring mysteries and questionable decisions by law enforcement. Reporter Jeff Day digs into the largest manhunt in state history.

Reporter Jeff Day takes us inside the courtroom and details what happened when Vance Boelter pleaded guilty to the shootings that killed state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.

The scandal that led to Brian O’Hara’s resignation was a surprise to many. Reporter Liz Sawyer tells the behind the scenes story of what led to him leaving and why so many people knew so little about it. 

Our small team is taking a short break this week. We'll be back with a fresh episode on June 5!

As Minnesota Republicans head into their state convention, three very different candidates are vying for the party’s endorsement for governor: House Speaker Lisa Demuth, businessman Kendall Qualls and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. Minnesota Star Tribune reporters Walker Orenstein and Nathaniel Minor break down who these candidates are and what their campaigns reveal about the future of the Minnesota...

One of the hottest issues in high school sports right now is student athletes who transfer from school to school. Columnist Chip Scoggins digs into what’s going on, what rules are being broken, and asks – is the current system fair? Guest: Columnist, Chip Scoggins

A vote in late April opened the Boundary Waters watershed to copper nickel mining – again. Two reporters describe the family behind the mining proposal, how they worked with lawmakers to reverse a federal ban on mining in the “crown jewel” of Minnesota and what will happen next.

For decades, Bushel Boy tomatoes were everywhere. A homegrown success story delivering fresh, greenhouse-grown beefsteaks across Minnesota. Then, overnight, they vanished. Our reporters dig into what happened and uncover a threat that’s shaping the future of local produce farming. Editor, Brooks Johnson Reporter, Victor Ștefănescu

Threats against elected officials are on the rise but the full number and nature of those threats has been difficult to know. Three reporters spent six months tracking down the real threats Minnesota lawmakers are facing and what it says about the safety net surrounding those who pursue public office. Guests: Jana Hollingsworth MaryJo Webster Nathaniel Minor